Member News

Book a place on our next two day video training course running in Norwich on 8th and 15th June, 9-5.

Our courses and bespoke training packages will help your business/organisation to utilise the power of video marketing, developing your skills and teaching you to produce quality videos for your business.

Email: janine@eyefilm.co.uk to book your place on our next two day course: 8th/15th June 2018, 9-5, in Norwich.

The cost of the two day course is £500+VAT.

Two Day Course:

On day one, you will learn how video can be used as a powerful tool for your business or organisation, what types of videos can be produced within your timeframes, what works and what doesn’t, and the basics of camera work, sound, editing, and equipment. You’ll get hands-on with equipment as to practice these techniques and begin editing the footage as well.

We usually offer the two days with a weeks break to allow you time to capture footage that will be useful for your final film, using the knowledge you gained from day one.

Day two is the chance to edit and upload your very own video for your business or organisation to use. We will guide you through the editing process, from cutting interviews to building a story and adding titles and graphics. 

At the end of the two days, you’ll have a finished film and the skills and confidence to keep on producing.

If you or your organisation would like to talk to us about creating bespoke training to meet your needs contact janine@eyefilm.co.uk or call 01603 727750, we would love to hear from you.

“A great course! Charlie and his team were able to patiently show the basics of how to create a short video. A fabulous day. I can’t recommend Eye Film for their video training highly enough.”

Simon Hiscox, Simon Hiscox Web Design

Freebridge unveil new homes in Gayton

Freebridge Community Housing were delighted to unveil a number of new homes at their most recent development in Gayton yesterday.

The development, on the site of the former Rampant Horse public house, sees two 1 bedroom properties and two 2 bedroom properties brought to the village, with new tenants due to move in next month.

The development was given an official opening by Freebridge Community Housing Chief Executive, Tony Hall, who was accompanied by Freebridge Chairman Andy Walder, Director of Assets and Development Alex Dixon and Andrew Mowbray from building firm Smiths of Honingham.

Tony Hall, said: “This new development is a great addition to the village of Gayton, it’s been really good to hear some of the very positive feedback we have received for the work we’ve done bringing these new homes to life.

“At Freebridge we want to support the many rural communities that we have here in West Norfolk, we understand that as well as providing much needed housing for the area, developments like this can also have a very positive impact on keeping rural communities alive and thriving.”

Alex Dixon said: “Projects like these always present us with a number of challenges given that we have to work around the existing framework of the old buildings, however we’re really pleased with what we’ve been able to achieve and think that we’ve ended up with four very special new homes in a great setting, which in turn fit right into the village as a whole.”

Freebridge seek Board member for new development company

Freebridge Community Housing are looking to recruit a Board member for their new subsidiary development company, Bridgegate Homes.

Bridgegate Homes has been set up by Freebridge in order to develop and acquire new homes in and around West Norfolk -­ with plans to build 150 properties each year, with 40 of those being for sale on the open market.

The Board of this new company will be made up of the Freebridge Board Chairman, two non-­executive Freebridge Board members and the Freebridge Director of Finance and Resources. It is also anticipated that the person being recruited will be appointed as Chairman of Bridgegate Homes.

Tony Hall said “This is an exciting opportunity for someone with experience at a senior level in the commercial house-­building sector. We’re looking for an individual who can provide strategic thinking,clear direction and good quality leadership to the Board of Bridgegate Homes.

Application packs for the role are available on Freebridge’s website at https://www.freebridge.org.uk/Work-­for-­us.html or by telephoning 01553 667792.

If anyone has questions or wishes to discuss the opportunity further they can contact Freebridge’s Company Secretary Angus MacQueen on 01553 667754 or e-­mail angus.macqueen@freebridge.org.uk

Introduction

An issue that has recently received increased coverage in the press and on social media is the incidence of vans being broken into for the contents they’re carrying, rather than the vehicles themselves.  Thieves appear to be targeting in particular tools, equipment and goods, the presumption being that they’re easily disposed of and aren’t readily traced or recognised as stolen property by innocent purchasers.

Vulnerabilities

The majority of the thefts appear to be taking place when vehicles are parked away from their home locations; hotel car parks are prime sites for many of the incidents we’re currently dealing with.  Methods of entry are often violent as there is no interest in preserving the appearance of the vehicle being targeted, panels have been ripped, rear doors levered open, as the goal is the theft of the contents.

Precautions / Prevention

Prevention of these incidents is not straightforward, obvious factors like comprehensive vehicle security and alarms are essential, but the accidental triggering of such precautions has negated them as a guaranteed form of security. Parking in a well-lit secure car park or locked compound, monitored by CCTV, will minimise the likelihood of a theft being attempted. If feasible the removal of the high value items is also advisable, particularly if you believe you may be vulnerable to an incident of this nature.

Claims Management

Insurance cover for theft of goods from your vehicle shouldn’t be assumed, and even where cover is stated, there may be restrictions that you need to be aware of. The key factors you should look for are:

• Method of entry to the vehicle. Most policies will require the entry to have been ‘forcible and violent’ for the cover to apply
• Time of day. Some policies will restrict cover to exclude incidents occurring overnight (typically between 9pm-6am)
• Location of the vehicle. Some policies will offer cover providing the vehicle is secured in a locked compound/garage overnight.
• Value. Every policy will state the financial limit of your cover. The value of your goods should not exceed your insured limit.

If you’re unfortunate enough to be a victim of one of these incidents and your insurers confirm that you have cover, for what has happened, they’ll almost certainly request an inventory of the stolen items. It will aid the speed with which they deal with your claim, if you provide the age and purchase price of the stolen items. Therefore keeping a track on what items are carried on a specific vehicle is an advantage if you have to present a claim.

Conclusion

In conclusion, to minimise your exposure to this type of incident, park, whether at a home location or away on site, in a well-lit, secure car park or compound and remove valuable items. None of these measures will prevent a determined criminal, but they could discourage them and make the effect to you and your business as minimal as possible. If you would like to discuss anything raised in this article or to assist in a no-obligation review of the insurance cover you have in place, please contact a member of the Hugh J Boswell team on 01603 626155.

KLM UK Engineering visited Catton Grove STEM Club earlier this week and presented the team with ‘Supported By KLM UK Engineering’ racing overalls and goodie bags to go with their already amazing go kart. The team are taking the go kart apart and learning to build it from scratch while improving aerodynamics, the steering column and engine performance. KLM UK Engineering will be offering engineering knowledge to assist the children develop their STEM skills during this project – regular updates will follow with their progress. 

Sarah West, managing director of Full Mix Marketing, delivered an insightful keynote address to Friday’s packed Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) East of England Conference on Business-to-Business Marketing.

The popular day-long event, held at Norwich Cathedral’s Hostry on 27th April, is now in its third year. It attracted over 70 delegates from as far away as London and Nottingham, all keen to gather and share hints and tips on successfully marketing their businesses to other companies.

The day was led by the keynote address from Sarah, a CIM Chartered Marketer and founder of the growing Norwich-based agency. Sarah’s presentation focused on the different considerations when marketing to businesses and the lessons she has learnt delivering powerful promotions for her B2B clients.

“It was such an honour to be asked to present” says Sarah. “With a changing economy, evolving forms of media and ever more savvy businesses, it’s important the marketing community come together to share information. We’re making a real name for the East as a hub for B2B expertise.”

The event featured a packed agenda of talks and workshops from experts from across the East and South East, including Norfolk’s 101 Smart Media, Luminous PR and Armstrong Design. Sarah was chosen to share her experience working both within businesses and as the founder of a successful marketing agency.

Sarah has just celebrated ten years as a CIM Chartered Marketer. “Achieving my Chartered status was an important milestone. Clients rightly expect strong skills and results, so they need assurance we know what we’re talking about” says Sarah. “There’s always new developments, so it’s vital that marketers demonstrate professional leadership and keep learning.”

More details of Full Mix Marketing and their services can be found at www.fullmixmarketing.co.uk

Leathes Prior Solicitors is delighted to announce the promotion of two key members of staff. Tej Thakkar and Sabina Haag have both been promoted to Associate level. Tej joined Leathes Prior in 2011 as a paralegal, and started his training contract with us in 2012. He qualified as a Solicitor in 2014, working ever since in our specialist Regulatory & Defence Team (which sits as part of our Litigation & Dispute Resolution Team) supporting Partner Tim Cary. Sabina joined Leathes Prior as a trainee solicitor in 2011, qualifying as a Solicitor in 2013. She also sits as part of our Litigation and Dispute Resolution Team, working closely alongside Partner Darren Bowen, specialising in Wills and probate disputes, as well as commercial property disputes. Leathes Prior is particularly proud to see another two of our trainees retained and progressed through the firm, bringing the total to 11 of our current Associates and Partners that started off their careers as trainees with the firm. Partner and Head of the firm’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution Team Mike Barlow said: “I am delighted to congratulate Tej and Sabina on their well-deserved promotions. Their contribution to the growth of the team since joining the firm has been invaluable and their expertise and professionalism is a credit to them and greatly appreciated by the firm’s clients. I am sure that they will both have long and successful careers with the firm.”

Spire Solicitors LLP are pleased to announce the promotion of Susan Ward and Ejike Ndaji, to Partner.

Susan joined the firm in 2016 and has been instrumental in forming the foundations of the New Build team. Susan holds 35 years of legal expertise and specialises in all areas of property related matters, including residential sales and purchases, re-mortgages, land acquisitions, new build conveyancing, Help to Buy Schemes and mortgage security work.

Susan commented: “Spire Solicitors LLP is a dynamic and thriving practice and I’m pleased to be welcomed as Partner to continue the growth of the business from its initial foundations”.

Ejike trained with Overburys (Spire Solicitors LLP forerunner) and qualified as a Solicitor in 2013.  Ejike is based in the Wymondham Office and specialises in all areas of Private Client law including Will drafting, Administration of Estates, Powers of Attorney, Court of Protection work and Estate Planning. Ejike is also head of the firm’s Charities and Social Enterprise team and is a member of the Charity Law Association which is at the forefront of the developments in charity law and practice. 

Ejike commented: “Having seen Spire Solicitors LLP grow from its formation in 2013 and having been involved in one of the founding firms, it is truly a fantastic honour to be recognised with the recent promotion to Partner. I look forward to many more years working with my colleagues to continue the growth of the firm, as well as continuing our exceptional level of service to clients”.

Commenting on the promotions, Lisa Edwards, Member & HR Director commented: “The Members and I would like to congratulate Susan and Ejike. The appointment to Partner is testament to their dedication, loyalty and hard work and we wish them every success in their new roles.”

Spire Solicitors LLP now employs over 160 members of staff and has been increasing its recruitment portfolio over the last few months. Since 2018, Spire has welcomed Howard Bailey, Sally Yaxley, Katharine Chatters, Nisha Jandu & Melissa Richards as new staff to firm, as well as promoted Rebecca Johnstone & Emma Trick to Associate and Craig Ward to Senior Associate.

The multi award winning franchisor TaxAssist Accountants has appointed TaxCalc as its new software partner.

TaxCalc will provide TaxAssist’s 200+ franchised accountancy firms with a wide portfolio of products, including final accounts production, tax, practice management and company secretarial packages, running on its CloudConnect platform. Following an extensive pilot, a phased six-month migration of network members is now underway.

TaxCalc is a family-run business and the largest independently-owned software provider in its sector, with a 20% share of the tax and accounting market. The company has over 8,000 accountancy practices, plus more than 40,000 individual taxpayers, limited companies and partnerships as customers. Recently TaxCalc won three major Software Excellence awards for Best Tax Production, Best Accounts Production and Best Practice Suite. 

TaxCalc CEO Tracy Ebdon-Poole said, “We’re absolutely delighted to partner with TaxAssist Accountants on one of the most exciting projects in our thirteen year history. Over the past months, we’ve worked closely with TaxAssist’s Head Office and a number of practices to trial our software. The experience has been incredibly productive and given us a chance to really understand one another. Commercially there’s a real product fit, but I’m also happy to say that on another level, we just seem to click, sharing similar values, an entrepreneurial spirit and an unswerving customer focus. I’d like to thank both sides for the commitment that’s resulted in this announcement. Now the hard work really starts!

With 208 full-service accountancy franchises, TaxAssist Accountants is the UK’s champion for small businesses. Group Operations Director, Sarah Robertson said “We are delighted with the new partnership with TaxCalc for compliance software for our network. With the increasing challenges facing the accounting industry, we needed to ensure that the key software our franchisees use provides the efficiencies of modern software by streamlining processes and reducing duplication. It was also key for us that all software should be easy to use and the provider should be quick to adapt to changes in the industry. I’m pleased to say that TaxCalc passed this challenge with ease. The team at TaxCalc have been an absolute pleasure to work with, and their whole approach has been refreshingly collaborative.  We look forward to a very productive partnership going forward.”  

April 2018

More than 520 franchisees, partners and staff helped make this year’s TaxAssist Accountants’ Conference on Saturday, 21st April its most successful to date.

Hosted at Celtic Manor, near Newport in Wales, the day started with a busy exhibition, at which franchisees were able to browse the 62 exhibitor stands and meet service providers and staff from TaxAssist’s Support Centre.

After lunch, TaxAssist’s Directors presented their vision for the organisation’s future direction, focusing on a new software suite, as well as the importance of advisory services and client experience.

Sarah Robertson, Group Operations Director, used the conference to deliver an overview of the new recommended software suite for the network.

“Having spent the past year heading up a research group, we now feel confident we have the very best in technology available for our network to use,” she said. “This will give our franchisees and their staff multiple benefits in terms of time and financial efficiencies and we are pleased our buying power has enabled us to pass on significant cost savings.”

Steve Checkley, Product Director of TaxCalc, one of the new recommended software suppliers, was invited on stage to explain how the changes and challenges that HM Revenue & Customs’ Making Tax Digital project will affect the network, and the importance of using the right software to keep abreast of these developments. His informative presentation highlighted the fact that accountants will be in demand more than ever, due to this industry evolution.

James Mattam, Group Business Development Director, discussed the competitive edge afforded to the network by the national marketing initiatives including the new TV advertising campaign, unrivalled social media presence, a switcher campaign and a fee bank purchase scheme.

Daren Moore, Group Commercial Director, was pleased to meet and address the network for the first time and focused on why accountants should be introducing advisory services as the earliest opportunity.

“The future of our industry is to embrace the developments in software and technology, but not lose sight of the fact that accountants offer the vital link between this and advising clients on how best to use and interpret the information. If a client can understand where they are now, they will be better informed about where they are heading in the future,” he said.

A black tie gala evening rounded off the conference, and included entertainment provided by Gareth Malone’s The Naked Choir winners ‘Sons of Pitches’ followed by ‘Diversity’ the 2009 winners of Britain’s Got Talent.

April 2018

Since 2010 Renee Mackay has built up a client base of over 1,200 small and medium-sized businesses with a fee bank of £800,000 and 15 employees.

Business is booming for Edinburgh-based accountancy firm TaxAssist Accountants headed up by serial entrepreneur Renee Mackay. Rapid growth meant she had to move to larger premises in Corstorphine in 2013 – three times the size of her original office.

Renee recently opened another Edinburgh office in a joint venture with business partner Alan Johnston in Goldenacre in 2016, which follows the opening of her other joint venture office with business partner Janet Mclean in Dunfermline in 2015.

Alan said: “Renee is a real powerhouse networker. I was previously in franchising, owning three Domino’s Pizza branches for 14 years with a combined turnover of £3m, but I was looking for a change of direction. As soon as I spoke to Renee about TaxAssist Accountants, I knew it was the opportunity I was looking for.”

“You meet a huge variety of different clients and it is very satisfying being able to support them not only with accounts and tax, but also help grow their businesses. We focus very much on providing excellent customer service and our friendly approach. We are a jargon-free zone and explain tax and accounts in a way which makes sense to our clients. Any accountant can do the mechanics of doing your accounts, but it is the customer service which adds the real value.”

He added: “Within 18 months we have built up our client base of 160 and I have just taken on another accountant to handle the workload. Being part of the franchise is fantastic as we can tap into resources such as IT and accounting systems which are often beyond the reach of small accountancy firms.”

Renee is no stranger to the franchising world, having run a highly successful franchisee training company for 10 years. 

“I could see the huge potential in the TaxAssist Accountants franchise, so it really was a no brainer,” explained Renee. “They have introduced a completely new approach to accountancy services which is miles away from the traditional image of the accountant. We are friendly, approachable and professional.”

TaxAssist Accountants has been a full member of the British Franchise Association (bfa) since 2003.  Alan said: “Being members of the bfa has huge benefits. It tells clients that our business follows strict ethical franchising standards and that our business has achieved significant milestones at an operational level.”

If you would like to follow in Renee, Janet and Alan’s footsteps, call 0800 0188297 to find out more about franchising and the fantastic opportunity it offers to start your own business. 

April 2018

It was another few days of dog distractions all round, as JMS em’barked’ on its latest shoot with pet product specialists, Beaphar UK. Following a successful video on tick-awareness last September it was time to move on to an even larger project featuring Lactol Puppy Milk. As all dog owners will know, for a puppy to grow into a strong and healthy dog, it is vital they receive all the right nutrients, and Beaphar felt the benefits could best be demonstrated by showing just how much a healthy dog contributes to a happy family. So the storyline centred around the heartwarming tale of a man raising a beagle puppy for six months on Lactol Milk before gifting the grown-up healthy puppy to his mum, whose previous dog had recently passed away. This presented Director Alice Homewood with the challenge of finding three similar looking dogs to portray the same beagle maturing across the video’s six-month timeline. Beagle-casting sessions were a lot of fun (all those furry faces!) and the chosen trio all proved to be stars across the three days of intensive filming. And it seems JMS is getting a bit of a name for taking-on challenges.  Children … dogs… bring em on!   If you are looking to promote a product or service with video content, give us a call on 01603 811855, we’d love to work with you!